Welcome to SPACE, our adult continuing education program which offers interactive monthly courses for personal enrichment! Learn more here.
January 2023
Standard Module
A Module in Introduction to Ancient Magic
• Non-Sequential Series
Mixed Lecture/Discussion
•
Low intensity
In this module we examine the use of magic in the early Christian world, its relationship with contemporary magic, and related texts. We will explore the origins of this magic, how it was used, and how it evolved over time. We will look at both religious and non-religious magic through a number of examples, both verbal spells and magical items, such as Aramaic incantation bowls.
Note: This module was formerly called Ancient Magic 3.
The module will follow an 8-session structure as shown below:
The module will follow an 8-session structure as shown below:
Outline | 8-Session Structure |
---|---|
Week 1 | Lecture 1: IIntroduction and ancient world |
Discussion 1: Christianity to circa 1000 CE | |
Week 2 | Lecture 2: High and Late Middle Ages circa 1000-1500 CE |
Discussion 2: Medieval Condemnation of Magic circa 1000-1500 CE | |
Week 3 | Lecture 3: Witchcraft circa 1500-1800 CE |
Discussion 3: Renaissance to Enlightenment circa 1450-1800 CE | |
Week 4 | Lecture 4: Magic in the West circa 1800 CE |
Discussion 4: Excursus |
Required Texts
Meyer, Mirecki, Ancient Magic and Ritual Power by Marvin W. Meyer, Paul Allan Mirecki
Ancient Magic and Ritual Power by Marvin W. Meyer, Paul Allan Mirecki
Quack, Cultural Plurality in Ancient Magical Texts and Practices Graeco-Egyptian Handbooks and Related Traditions by K. van der Toorn,
The Theology of Demons in Mesopotamia and Israel: Imported Monsters: Baal, Beelzebub, Moloch, and Others by Douglas L. Penney,
"By the Power of Beezelbub: An Aramaic Incantation Formula from Qumran (4Q560)" Journal of Biblical Literature 113 (1994): 627-650.
Ancient Magic and Ritual Power by Marvin W. Meyer, Paul Allan Mirecki
Quack, Cultural Plurality in Ancient Magical Texts and Practices Graeco-Egyptian Handbooks and Related Traditions by K. van der Toorn,
The Theology of Demons in Mesopotamia and Israel: Imported Monsters: Baal, Beelzebub, Moloch, and Others by Douglas L. Penney,
"By the Power of Beezelbub: An Aramaic Incantation Formula from Qumran (4Q560)" Journal of Biblical Literature 113 (1994): 627-650.
Check out Current and Upcoming offerings from:
Days and Times
Meeting Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour classes on Jan 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, (19), 24, 26, 31.
Signum Time US/Eastern |
Note | Your Time unknown |
|
---|---|---|---|
Tue, Jan 3
8:00 PM |
|||
Thu, Jan 5
8:00 PM |
|||
Tue, Jan 10
8:00 PM |
|||
Thu, Jan 12
8:00 PM |
|||
Tue, Jan 17
8:00 PM |
|||
Tue, Jan 24
8:00 PM |
|||
Thu, Jan 26
8:00 PM |
|||
Tue, Jan 31
8:00 PM |